Giants’ Flannery still behind Stow family

Giants third-base coach Tim Flanneryhas been an unwavering supporter of Bryan Stow, the Giants’ fan who suffered permanent injuries in a beating in a Dodger Stadium parking lot. Last week, Stow won an $18 million judgment, pending appeal.

Flannery was happy for the family, but still had some questions.

“There’s some relief for the family, but the $18 million doesn’t cover the medical bills owed,” Flannery said. “How can they still owe money? For going to watch a ballgame? Of their favorite team?”

The answer, of course, lies in this nation’s badly broken health-care system.

Flannery, who plays in a band and has held numerous charity concerts on Stow’s behalf, received a text from Stow’s sisters shortly after the jury ruling, expressing relief. They were concerned Stow would somehow be blamed for the incident.

“Twelve strangers came out of that room and said Brian had nothing to do with the whole ordeal,” Flannery said.

That doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And it doesn’t mean the Stow family, which now awaits appeal, is in the clear.